FOCS urges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 12 2023:
Disappointed over the MLAs making groups even while taking a decision on withdrawal of Assam Rifles, the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur has urged all the 50 MLAs (excluding the 10 Chin-Kuki MLAs) to show unity and put pressure on the Union Home Minister to withdraw the paramilitary forces from the State together.
A press release issued by the Federation said that there is evidence of Assam Rifles taking the side of Kuki narco-terrorists amid the violence in Manipur and as such the 50 MLAs should take a collective decision to withdraw the paramilitary force from Manipur.
Why are only 31 MLAs deciding to urge Union Home Minister Amit Shah to replace three battalions of Assam Rifles from Manipur, FOCS asked and added that the MLAs making groups at this point of time is unfortunate.
The Federation reminded the Government of the nude protest carried out by a group of mothers in front of Kangla after the killing of Thangjam Manorama in July 2004 by Assam Rifles and the sustained movement launched to remove the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958 .
Claiming that the Assam Rifles siding with Chin-Kuki terrorists in attacking Meeteis who guard their villages is known by all, FOCS said that the people of Manipur don't trust the paramilitary forces and as such their deployment in the State has no meaning.
The violence in Manipur broke out on May 3 after the strength of State commandos was reduced as per an order issued by the Manipur Police Department in March 2023, the Federation alleged and claimed that the high ranking officials of the State police might also be involved in hatching conspiracy to attack the Meeteis.
FOCS then urged the 50 MLAs to take a collective decision to protect the unity and integrity of Manipur.